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Sask. Polytech launches new Indigenous Success Strategy

Jun 19, 2018 | 5:00 PM

To mark National Indigenous History Month, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is launching new strategy aimed at removing barriers to success.

The strategy was unveiled at a special event Tuesday, and included the renewal of relationships with Indigenous communities.

“For Sask. Polytech, this means we must integrate Indigenous ways of being, knowing, teaching, and learning in everything we do,” a statement from the school read.

The educational institution has signed numerous Memorandums of Understanding with Indigenous organizations and communities, including the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and the Piapot First Nation.

Increasing Indigenous graduation rates and enrolment within the educational institute were called the “cornerstones” of the new strategy.

Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask. Polytech, said months of extensive research went into the creation of the new Indigenous Success Strategy. He noted the program is designed to reflect the needs of the growing Indigenous student body.

“Now is the time for Indigenous people to take their rightful place in Saskatchewan, in business, education, technology, leadership, research, industry, healthcare, and community service,” Knowledge Keeper Myrna Yuzicapi said.

Sask. Polytech implemented their Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan in 2009. Since then, the school has seen a number of successes, including an Indigenous enrolment rate of 29 percent in the 2009 and 2016 school years. Roughly 85 per cent of the school’s Indigenous graduates find work in their fields within six months.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

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